Ghana Medical Association Petitions for Expanded Plastic Ban as NACOC and UPSA Launch Nationwide Drug Use Survey

In a series of major public health moves this July 2026, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) have launched significant initiatives aimed at long-term national wellbeing. The GMA, under the leadership of President Professor Ernest Yorke, is formally petitioning the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology to expand the current ban on Styrofoam to include all single-use plastics. This move is driven by a critical need to address public health hazards, improve national sanitation, and mitigate the recurring flooding challenges exacerbated by plastic pollution. Medical experts emphasize that a broader ban is essential to reducing the environmental toxins that directly impact the health of Ghanaians.

Simultaneously, the Narcotics Control Commission has partnered with the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) to conduct a comprehensive nationwide baseline survey on drug use. Announced on July 22, the survey will target approximately 18,000 respondents between the ages of 15 and 55 across all 16 regions. NACOC Director-General, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, stated that the initiative is designed to generate reliable national data on drug patterns and trends. This collaboration leverages UPSA’s research expertise to ensure that future prevention strategies and government policies are data-driven and effective in tackling the country's drug-related challenges.

At the community level, preparations are peaking for the 2026 Ga Homowo Health Walk, scheduled for Saturday, August 1. The event has secured a substantial GH₵350,000 sponsorship from Bills Micro Credit Limited, providing 5,000 branded shirts, refreshments, and logistics. Beyond the physical walk, which commences at Mantse Agbonaa at 10:00 a.m., organizers have prioritized clinical outreach by offering free health screenings for participants starting at 7:00 a.m. Nuumo Nikoi Amasah II of the Ga Adangbe Wulomei Council praised the private sector support, noting that such cultural health celebrations are vital for strengthening community bonds and promoting active lifestyles.

Complementing these efforts, the corporate sector is also intensifying its focus on preventive health through employee-led initiatives. Prudential Bank has launched the second edition of its Step Challenge, which runs from July through September 2026. The program uses a World Cup-themed virtual journey across 48 nations to encourage physical activity and teamwork among staff. Lilian Antwiwaa Asante, the bank’s Head of Human Resources, highlighted that fostering a culture of wellness is essential for maintaining a productive workforce. Collectively, these initiatives from the GMA, NACOC, and private organizations represent a multi-sectoral approach to improving Ghana's public health landscape.